February 18, 2021
Canada Extends Travel Restrictions and Requirements
On 12 February 2021, the Government of Canada announced the extension of travel restrictions for those entering Canada. With the new variants of the COVID-19 virus being detected throughout the country, the Government of Canada has announced extended and increased screening and quarantine requirements for international travelers entering Canada by air and through land ports of entry.
According to the Government of Canada website[1], the new requirements are as follows:
For travellers arriving to Canada by land, as of February 15, 2021, all travellers, with some exceptions, will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test result taken in the United States within 72 hours of pre-arrival, or a positive test taken 14 to 90 days prior to arrival. In addition, as of February 22, 2021, travellers entering Canada at the land border will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival as well as toward the end of their 14-day quarantine.
All travellers arriving to Canada by air, as of February 22, 2021, with some exceptions, will be required to take a COVID-19 molecular test when they arrive in Canada before exiting the airport, and another toward the end of their 14-day quarantine period. With limited exceptions, air travellers, will also be required to reserve, prior to departure to Canada, a 3-night stay in a government-authorized hotel. Travellers will be able to book their government-authorized stay starting February 18, 2021. These new measures are in addition to existing mandatory pre-boarding and health requirements for air travellers.
Finally, at the same time on February 22, 2021, all travellers, whether arriving by land or air will be required to submit their travel and contact information, including a suitable quarantine plan, electronically via ArriveCAN before crossing the border or boarding a flight.
These new requirements have
been put in place to prevent the new variants of the COVID-19 virus from
reaccelerating the pandemic and making it more difficult to contain. It is
critical that we continue to take safety precautions during this unprecedent
time to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. For up-to date information on
traveling to Canada and entry requirements, please go to COVID-19: Travel, quarantine and
borders – Travel.gc.ca.